Without a clear estate plan, your assets could end up in a string of legal battles. When it comes to estate planning, one of the most helpful things you can do for your loved ones isn’t complicated or expensive—it’s organizing your documents. Imagine your family trying to piece together your financial accounts, medical preferences, or online passwords while grieving. It’s overwhelming. But you can spare them the confusion by putting your important documents in order now, while you’re in control. So, whether you have a simple will or a full estate plan, make sure your papers are easy to find. It can save your family time, money, and stress when they need it most. Here is a guide to help you ensure that your wishes will be honored in case of death or incapacity:
Know Your Options
Estate planning isn’t just about writing a will. It’s about making sure your assets, healthcare decisions, and financial matters are managed the way you want. In Arizona, you have several options:
Do Nothing – Believe it or not, this is the default plan for many people. Bear in mind, though, if you don’t create an estate plan, Arizona’s intestate succession laws will decide who gets what. This could mean distant relatives inheriting your assets or your minor children receiving a lump sum at 18 with no oversight.
Prepare a Will – A will lets you specify who inherits your belongings, money, and property. However, if your estate exceeds $75,000 in personal property or $100,000 in real estate, it will go through probate. This process can be costly and time-consuming.
Create a Living Trust – A living trust allows you to transfer assets to a trustee who manages them according to your instructions. This helps avoid probate and ensures a smoother transition for your heirs.
Inventory Your Assets and Financial Documents
Your estate isn’t just your home or your car—it’s every account, investment, and item of value. Make a list of:
- Bank accounts and account numbers (needed to access and transfer funds)
- Retirement plans (IRAs, 401(k)s) (for beneficiary claims)
- Life insurance policies (claiming benefits or continuing coverage)
- Real estate and deeds (required for selling or transferring property)
- Vehicles and titles (needed to retitle or sell vehicles)
- Business ownership or LLC interests (for operating agreements, shares, or contracts)
- Digital assets (logins to email, social media, cloud storage, etc.)
- Credit card and loan statements (for settling debts)
Use a spreadsheet or even pen and paper—just be thorough. Make it easy for your loved ones to find and understand.
Include Personal and Family Records
Don’t forget identity and relationship documents, like:
- Birth and/or marriage certificates/divorce decrees (proof of relationship for inheritance or survivor benefits)
- Driver’s license or state ID (identification for estate administration)
- Passport (may be required for legal or financial transactions)
- Social Security cards (needed for claims and notifications)
- Military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Adoption or guardianship documents
- Citizenship or immigration records
These may be needed to claim benefits, close accounts, or handle legal issues.
Update Tax and Legal Documents
| Document | Use |
|---|---|
| Past 3 years’ tax returns | Used by executor/trustee or CPA during final tax filings |
| Property tax statements | Verifying asset ownership and obligations |
| Divorce decrees or child support orders | May affect estate distribution |
| Military records (DD-214) | Needed for burial benefits or survivor claims |
Make a Digital Assets Guide
So much of our lives is online now. If someone had to manage your email, online banking, or Facebook account—could they?
Create a simple list with:
- Usernames and passwords (or use a password manager with an emergency contact set)
- Instructions for what you want done with each account (e.g., memorialize, delete, transfer)
- Cryptocurrency keys or wallet info, if applicable
- Key online accounts
- Instructions for digital assets
- Backup codes or recovery phrases (especially for crypto)
In Arizona, A.R.S. § 14-13115 allows you to give your executor access to digital assets, but it helps to spell out your wishes clearly.
Gather the Essentials
To create a solid estate plan, you’ll need several key documents:
Your Will
This outlines who inherits your belongings and who will manage your estate (your “personal representative” in Arizona). Also, if you have minor children, your will must include who will care for them. Make sure it’s signed, dated, and stored in a safe but accessible place. If you made your will in Arizona, double-check that it meets the formal requirements under A.R.S. § 14-2502 (for a witnessed will) or A.R.S. § 14-2503 (for a holographic, handwritten one).
Trust Documents
If you’ve set up a revocable living trust, include the trust agreement and any amendments. Also, include a list of assets titled in the name of the trust. This helps avoid probate in Arizona, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Financial Power of Attorney
This lets someone handle your finances if you’re incapacitated. Arizona law (A.R.S. § 14-5501) allows you to name someone you trust to step in. So, keep this document handy and updated.
Health Care Power of Attorney & Living Will
Together, these guide medical decisions when you can’t speak for yourself. Arizona’s Advance Directive Registry allows you to upload them for emergency access. Click here if you want to know more about creating living wills and powers of attorney for health care.
Beneficiary Deeds
These help transfer property without going through probate.
Outline End-of-Life and Funeral Wishes
Even if these are informal, write them down and share with your family.
| Document or Instruction | Use |
| Funeral/burial instructions | Eases emotional burden on loved ones |
| Prepaid funeral contracts | Avoids duplication of costs |
| Organ donation forms or wishes | Clarifies intent |
Arizona Note: Arizona has a pre-hospital medical directive (a.k.a. “orange form”) for Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. Keep it visible in your home if applicable.
Store Estate Plan Documents Safely
- Use a clearly labeled folder or binder for physical copies
- Store digital copies on an encrypted USB or in a secure cloud folder
- Give your executor or trusted person access, or instructions on how to access
Do not store only in a Safe Deposit Box. After your death, banks may restrict access without a court order. If you do use one, make sure your executor is authorized.
Tell Someone Where Everything Is
Even the best estate plan is useless if no one can find it. Choose a trusted person—your spouse, adult child, or lawyer—and tell them:
- What documents do you have
- Where they’re stored (e.g., fireproof safe, binder, law firm, cloud folder)
- Who to contact (your estate attorney, financial planner, etc.)
Consider creating a “Family Emergency Binder” with copies or summaries of everything. Some people also use online vaults or cloud storage (just make sure access instructions are clear).
Choose the Right Executor or Trustee
Your executor (if you have a will) or trustee (if you have a trust) plays a crucial role in carrying out your wishes. Choose someone responsible, organized, and trustworthy. If you don’t name an executor, the court will appoint one, which may not align with your preferences.
Plan for Incapacity
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away—it’s also about protecting yourself while you’re alive. If you become incapacitated due to illness or injury, having a living will and powers of attorney in place ensures that your medical and financial decisions are handled according to your wishes.
Avoid Probate
Probate can be a long and expensive process. One of the best ways to avoid it is by setting up a revocable living trust. Assets placed in a trust don’t go through probate, meaning your heirs can access them more quickly and privately.
Create an Organization Checklist
| Task | Completed? |
| Will or trust is up to date and signed | ☐ |
| Financial and medical POAs completed | ☐ |
| Copies stored in secure and accessible location | ☐ |
| Executor and/or agent informed and instructed | ☐ |
| Funeral and burial wishes documented | ☐ |
| List of accounts and digital assets created | ☐ |
| Regular review of documents (every 1–2 years) | ☐ |
Review and Update Regularly
Life changes—marriages, divorces, births, deaths, buying property, or switching banks. Revisit your estate plan at least once a year or after any major life event. In Arizona, for example, a divorce automatically revokes your ex-spouse from your will or power of attorney unless you update it. See A.R.S. § 14-2804.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s for anyone who wants to make life easier for their loved ones when they’re gone or unable to make decisions. Therefore, one of the best gifts you can leave behind is organization. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult an estate planning attorney to provide clarity and peace of mind.
